Tribes: Ascend announced for PC and Xbox 360

A new Tribes game described as "the multiplayer successor" to Tribes 2 has been announced, due in late 2011 on PC and Xbox 360.

A new multiplayer Tribes game has been announced by Global Agenda developer Hi-Rez Studios, who acquired the shooter franchise last year.

Hi-Rez describes Tribes: Ascend as "the multiplayer successor to the much lauded Tribes 2 and a re-introduction of the franchise to the gaming world." Jetpacks, skiing and vehicles are all set to feature.

Built upon Unreal Engine 3, Tribes: Ascend will be released for download on PC and Xbox 360 "in late 2011." Hi-Rez notes that "Additional platforms are currently under consideration as well."

Hi-Rez is also working on a PvP-focused Tribes MMO, named Tribes Universe, set in a persistent world with territory control. This will follow after Ascend.

"Tribes fans appreciate the game's essence--athletic FPS combat combined with teamwork and strategy," said Hi-Rez COO Todd Harris in the announcement. "As we began development of Tribes Universe, we focused first on capturing that essence--refining and modernizing iconic elements like jetpacks, skiing, and vehicles. We've had tremendous fun play-testing and realized the potential of a multiplayer focused title ahead of Tribes Universe. The community has been waiting for a multi-player shooter that is the modern successor to T2. Tribes: Ascend is that game."